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Bruce Konschuh
Intermediate Member
Username: brucek

Post Number: 4
Registered: 08-2014
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - 07:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

We have a planning dept requirement that asks us to point out recycled materials used in our specified products. Has anyone else had this requirement? Is there an easy way to determine which products in specifications have recycled content? I assume many products have recycled content without me realizing it, and vice versa.
Or is this just an exercise in listing each spec section (TOC) and itemizing the known (specified) recycled materials? This really shouldn't be a planning dept issue - it seems to be a complete waste of time.
Richard Gonser AIA CSI CCCA SCIP
Senior Member
Username: rich_gonser

Post Number: 82
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - 08:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

You should ask for the specific ordinance and/or council approved policy adoption to determine how to comply.

Otherwise it is likely some member of the green cult justifying their existence.

I am very tired of these low-level bureaucrats expanding and abusing their civic authority. I always push back.
Bruce Maine
Senior Member
Username: btmaine

Post Number: 29
Registered: 03-2011


Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - 09:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Hey, Bruce. How's it going? As a general rule, on LEED or Sustainable Design projects the front ends will typically require the GC to furnish the recycled content for materials furnished. There are cases, such as flyash in concrete for example, where the structural engineer will specify the percentage. Most manufacturers include that information in their marketing and technical data but I tend to agree with Richard that its really a waste of time unless you're getting paid for it! But let me know where you are now and I'll forward a couple of spreadsheets and other material that may be helpful.
bmaine1@cox.net
Bruce Maine CDT LEED AP
Bruce Konschuh
Advanced Member
Username: brucek

Post Number: 5
Registered: 08-2014
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 11:09 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Richard and Bruce, thanks for your thoughts on this. Bruce, I will shoot you an email.
Bruce Maine
Senior Member
Username: btmaine

Post Number: 30
Registered: 03-2011


Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 01:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Mr. Gonser, both the IGCC and the California Green Building Code have provisions for the use of recycled content building materials. I think those jurisdictions that have adopted would take offense at your characterization.
Bruce Maine CDT LEED AP
Richard Gonser AIA CSI CCCA SCIP
Senior Member
Username: rich_gonser

Post Number: 83
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 02:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I was speaking about the planning departments not building. I see them going beyond their authority all the time. These are separate and distinct departments here in California. It costs Billions in delays and construction costs.

BTW I get offended by bureaucrats that abuse their authority blindly and don't even know that their doing it. That is why I push back. Witness the situation with the IRS. Everyone runs in totalitarian fear of them as they take everything from you. Including the right to express your opinion.

We don't have private property any more. We have to appeal to the government to allow us to use what we think we own.
Mark Gilligan SE,
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan

Post Number: 689
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 10:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

If you do not understand the basis in law for the request you do not know how to respond. If they cannot provide a satisfactory explanation of the legal basis for the requirement then I would respond to your client that you re unable to respond until the relevant information is provided to you.

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